The Natural World

For many of us, stepping out into nature allows us to slow down and relax. The rich sensory experience of the natural world - what we can see, hear, feel and smell - helps anchor us in the present moment. From this grounded place, we can begin to notice and explore our thoughts, feelings and experiences as they arise, in the here and now.

I work outdoors because it’s where I feel most alive, inspired and open to possibilities. And in my experience, this is true for my clients too. Nature is invited into my work with individuals and groups as both a model and mirror, to help us explore and reflect on who they are, what they need and what is stopping them from living their life ‘in flow’. The natural world has no agenda and no ego; we humans can learn much by observing nature ‘doing its thing’ and relating what we see there to issues and dilemmas we are trying to manage in our everyday lives.

So in individual therapy a tree may come to represent an important relationship in a client’s life; the weather might reflect their inner mood or evoke a significant memory; a bird’s alarm call may trigger a visceral or somatic response. Together, we stay with these in-the-moment experiences and reflect on what they reveal and mean for them and their life experiences.

In a group scenario, we may choose to create a ritual of hope, longing or celebration that invites in elements and processes from the natural world.

And we often turn to nature to help remind us of our strengths, inner resources and creative energies that are important for us if we are to successfully navigate our way through the emotional ups and downs of modern life.

For more information on how nature can help us grow and heal, see my blog: Nature as Medicine.